The plenary power of Congress to pass laws is limited by state and individual rights.

Before the blessing, the new Pope made an unusual gesture, granting "to all" who heard the words—either in person or by broadcast—a plenary indulgence. In Catholic belief, all sins, though forgiven, must be atoned for—either here on earth or, after death, in purgatory. For those truly repentant, a plenary indulgence cancels the debt for all past sins.